Charmaine A. Smith

Controller and Account Manager

If there’s one rule Charmaine applies to her position at Bridgecity, it’s data accuracy.

It’s her job to ensure that investors get their timely dividends and her colleagues and clients get real time updates. Charmaine has always had a thing for numbers and is a practicing accountant. With 14 years of experience working for the Jamaican Student Loan Bureau, she applied her years as a management accountant to her roles at Bridgecity, offering the company a new perspective in terms of financial acuity.

Always keeping abreast with the insurance details, maturity dates and investment details, Charmaine micromanages the reporting side of the company for a most accurate process. With a grip on management intricacies, she finds it stimulating to be dealing with property owners, as opposed to her previous communication with committee boards. “It’s like I’m utilizing my varied expertise to completely focus on property investment finance and profit assessments.”

If there’s one noteworthy thing Charmaine has become known for at the office, it’s an obsession for time management, something her colleagues appreciate and rely on. She keeps the company checks and balances accurate, always having the investors and borrowers’ best interests in mind. It’s perhaps this obligatory requirement that utilizes her time management efficiency to the max.

Joel Wertzberger

Investment Partner

Joel Werzberger is a creative strategist in the financial and real estate sectors, known for approaching complex deals with clarity and originality. At 19, he secured his first major real estate transaction – a 99-year lease on a 100-unit property in Binghamton, NY.

He later founded Hamilton Eastman, a Brooklyn-based real estate holding company, where he has served as CEO since 2013. Under the Hamilton Eastman umbrella, Joel leads multiple ventures including Joyland Group (investment), Prospect Developers (development), and Joyland Management (property management). His portfolio spans real estate, third-party litigation funding, and secondary life insurance, unified by his uniquely creative, comprehensive deal-review process.

An active angel investor, Joel also founded Angels of Fire to support tech startups through innovative investment structures. He previously built and sold Talmu, a global mail-order product brand, in 2014.

As a partner at Bridgecity, he plays a key role in investment strategy and asset structuring, known among peers as an analytical thinker and investment virtuoso. Inspired by figures like Louis Finkelstein and Leonard Cohen, Joel also finds expression through skiing, literature, and the arts.

Mengshan Fu

Senior Accountant

Mengshan Fu brings financial rigor, precision, and a thoughtful approach to her role as Senior Accountant at BridgeCity Capital. With more than five years of experience in real estate finance and financial analysis, she plays a key role in supporting high-level deal processes, reporting, and operational systems.

Known for her attention to detail and analytical mindset, Mengshan is deeply involved in financial reporting, modeling, compliance, and deal-level accounting. She enjoys tackling complex financial challenges and contributing to the firm’s broader impact on community development and regional real estate markets.

Outside the office, Mengshan enjoys quiet downtime with her three cats and is inspired by leaders like Christine Lagarde—women who demonstrate strength, growth, and perseverance across multiple arenas.

Her adaptability, leadership instincts, and commitment to continuous learning make her an integral part of BridgeCity’s financial infrastructure.

Jamie Rubin

Originator

Jamie Rubin plays a central role in cultivating and maintaining BridgeCity Capital’s relationships with brokers and borrowers. With a career rooted in finance, Jamie developed early experience across acquisitions, asset management, legal, and financial analysis before shifting into originations in 2022.

Known for his personable nature and values-driven approach, Jamie focuses on building trust and long-term relationships. He combines his affinity for numbers with a passion for understanding people—helping both sides of a deal find alignment and clarity. His philosophy reflects his outlook: “It’s the journey that matters most. I’m here to make it a positive one.”

Jamie enjoys the challenge and satisfaction of structuring deals that meet client needs, and he takes pride in helping borrowers navigate the lending process with confidence.

Outside of work, Jamie dedicates his time to his wife, young son, and newborn daughter, along with maintaining personal goals in spiritual growth and fitness. A passionate tennis player, he brings the same drive, focus, and competitiveness to the court that he brings to his work.

Zev Ehrlich

Analyst

Zev Ehrlich joined BridgeCity Capital after completing a highly committed internship with the firm, where he balanced full-time studies with hands-on underwriting experience. A graduate of Queens College with honors and a degree in Finance, Zev quickly proved himself to be disciplined, analytical, and eager to grow.
>As an Analyst, Zev supports the underwriting team throughout the full deal cycle—conducting financial analysis, reviewing due diligence, performing market research, and assisting in closing transactions. He thrives on the intellectual challenge of real estate finance and values precision, speed, and strong execution.

Outside of work, Zev is a dedicated triathlete who has completed two Ironman triathlons, constantly pushing himself physically and mentally. He enjoys spending time with friends, family, and his dog, and brings the same drive for continuous improvement to his professional development at BridgeCity.

His mindset—focused on asking the right questions, moving quickly, and staying detail-oriented—aligns closely with BridgeCity’s commitment to performance and excellence.

Mengshan Fu

Senior Accountant

A number guru by all means, Mengshan is part geek, part homebody, drawn to real estate finance and to her mission to lead, guide, and make a difference.

After a 5-year collaborative role in the financial market, Mengshan is glad to be in an environment that promotes growth, collaboration, and innovation at BridgeCity. Drawing upon her experience as a Financial Analyst, she enjoys a challenge, particularly with regard to making an impact on high-level deal intricacies and overall community development, which the regional real estate market lends to her firm.

An easy adaptor and born leader, Mengshan is often lauded for her precision and attention to detail, but enjoys downtime in the company of her 3 cats, whom she calls family.

Mengshan’s resilience and go-getter attitude make her gravitate toward role models such as Christine Lagarde, who, like her, embodies perseverance and success across multiple realms. Gravitating toward leadership, skill development, and self-growth, she feels lucky to be in the presence of great people building even greater opportunities amongst the towering role models and skyscrapers that define her workplace.

E.J. Ehrlich

Director of Originations

E.J. Ehrlich brings nearly a decade of real estate experience and a relationship-driven approach to his role as Director of Originations at BridgeCity Capital. Starting his career as a real estate broker in NYC, E.J. built a reputation for value-driven insights, creative deal-making, and a genuine commitment to client relationships.

After transitioning into real estate management in 2020, E.J. became increasingly drawn to the analytical and structural aspects of lending. His strong communication with BridgeCity’s team and aligned work ethic ultimately led him to join the firm, where he plays a key role in evaluating deals, structuring opportunities, and working closely with borrowers and investors.

Known for his motto—“There’s no deal worth the cost of a relationship”—E.J. prioritizes integrity and trust in every interaction. His ability to build rapport, analyze opportunities, and stay grounded under pressure makes him a valued contributor to BridgeCity’s growth and pipeline execution.

Outside of work, E.J. is a committed family-oriented person who enjoys spending time with friends and staying active through regular workouts.

Margie Vejzati

Office Manager/Executive Assistant

As Office Manager and Executive Assistant, Margie Vejzati keeps BridgeCity Capital running with seamless coordination, efficiency, and a friendly, professional presence. With more than 11 years of real estate operations experience, Margie manages a wide range of responsibilities, including office administration, technology and system oversight, property management, and team support.

Margie’s background as an Agent Operations Manager sharpened her ability to manage deadlines, address daily operational needs, and streamline workflows across multiple functions. Whether coordinating communication, managing vendor relationships, or supporting internal systems, she ensures the office operates smoothly from day to day.

A natural problem solver, Margie is known for her calm under pressure, strong communication skills, and ability to keep the entire team organized and supported. She views her role as being part of the firm’s collective success—making sure everyone has what they need to perform at their best.

Margie’s personable nature, tech fluency, and dedication to service make her an essential part of BridgeCity’s culture and operations.

Jacob Friedman

CFO

Jacob Friedman oversees BridgeCity Capital’s financial operations with precision, discipline, and a commitment to long-term value creation. A CPA with a Master’s in Accounting, Jacob brings extensive experience across investment, analytics, compliance, and advisory roles.

Jacob began his career at Deloitte, quickly advancing to Manager in the Financial Services Consulting & Tax group. There, he advised major banks, private equity funds, hedge funds, and financial institutions on complex structuring and operational challenges. He later completed a secondment at Neuberger Berman, supporting their IPO readiness, compliance frameworks, and financial positioning.

At BridgeCity, Jacob manages all accounting and finance functions while playing a central role in deal structuring, pricing, underwriting, and due diligence. He has closed more than $500 million in lines of credit, negotiated term sheets, reviewed loan documents, and contributed to underwriting and closing processes totaling over $2.5 billion in financing.

Jacob also leads investor relations, serving as the primary contact for pension funds, private equity groups, family offices, and high-net-worth investors. Known for his commitment and analytical rigor, he approaches every challenge with steadiness and clarity.

Outside the office, Jacob balances his love of numbers with long-distance running—logging more than 25 miles per week—and a well-known fondness for pizza and classic comfort food. He lives in Hollywood, Florida, and enjoys outdoor time with his wife.

Aaron Jungreis

Investment Committee Chairman

One of New York City’s most prolific brokers, Aaron Jungreis brings extraordinary deal volume, market knowledge, and industry leadership to BridgeCity’s Investment Committee. Rated as NYC’s top dealmaker by CoStar for four consecutive years, Aaron has completed an unmatched number of transactions annually—often exceeding 130 deals per year.

As President of Rosewood Realty Group, which he founded in 2007, Aaron has overseen more than $15 billion in investment sales across multifamily, office, retail, and development assets. His ability to identify opportunities, understand submarkets, and move deals quickly has made him indispensable to sponsors, investors, and institutions alike.

Known for his legendary hustle—often working two phones at once—Aaron blends deep client relationships with an instinctive sense for value. His background in media and insurance sharpened his people-first approach, later becoming his unique differentiator in the New York real estate market.

Outside of dealmaking, Aaron enjoys basketball, sports trivia, and time with his wife and four daughters. His energy and insight bring a strategic edge to BridgeCity’s underwriting and investment decisions.

Pinny Loketch

Investment Partner

With more than 30 years of experience, Pinny Loketch is one of the most respected developers and real estate operators in the industry. A pioneer in redevelopment and ground-up construction since 1986, Pinny has renovated, stabilized, or developed over 10,000 units from New York to Washington, D.C., and across key markets including Florida.

Renowned for his integrity and handshake deals, Pinny has built The Loketch Group into a major real estate enterprise—completing approximately 30 ground-up projects and managing more than 3,000 rental units. His ability to identify value, execute complex projects, and maintain strong lender and investor relationships has earned him a reputation for delivering results across market cycles.

His long-standing partnership with BridgeCity evolved naturally through years of mutual investments, successful joint ventures, and aligned values. Pinny’s presence adds depth, credibility, and unparalleled operational insight to the firm.

A classic car enthusiast, political voice, and steadfast family man, Pinny’s authenticity and commitment to excellence continue to influence every deal he touches.

Moishe Loketch

Director of Business Development

Moishe Loketch brings more than a decade of hands-on development and operations experience to BridgeCity Capital. Having grown up immersed in the real estate world with his father, industry veteran Pinny Loketch, Moishe learned the business from every angle—purchasing, budgeting, pricing, construction, and property management.

Moishe spent over ten years at The Loketch Group, where he managed day-to-day operations, oversaw acquisitions, and built a reputation as a fast-moving, detail-oriented operator. Known in the industry as “Refi Loketch,” he has completed numerous refinances, acquisitions, and development transactions across NYC and beyond, with a sharp, pragmatic understanding of financial realities and pro formas.

His boots-on-the-ground experience—building, owning, managing, and selling properties—shapes his approach to lending. He evaluates deals with a developer’s eye, communicates with lenders and bankers on a first-name basis, and brings an energetic, relationship-driven style to the BridgeCity team.

Moishe is also known for bringing levity and personality to the culture at BridgeCity—often spearheading BBQs, team gatherings, and office camaraderie. Outside of work, Moishe and his father volunteer with the U.S. Coast Guard, further anchoring his dedication to service and community.

Louis Lebovits

CEO

Louis Lebovits serves as Chief Executive Officer of BridgeCity Capital and is a central force behind the firm’s scale, reputation, and trust. Since the inception of his career, Louis has been directly involved in more than $4.5 billion in real estate transactions, with every deal guided by a single principle: honesty and transparency above all else.

From the earliest years of his career through today, Louis has built his track record on trust. Every transaction he closed between the ages of 19 and 34 was rooted in clear communication, accurate data, and alignment with the client’s best interest. That philosophy became the foundation of BridgeCity Capital’s core ethos and its long-standing motto: A Tradition of Trust.

Louis is known throughout the industry as a trusted advisor, not just a lender. Clients seek his guidance to validate assumptions, pressure-test numbers, and understand what structure truly positions them best. His approach is simple but uncommon: provide real data, real insight, and the same guidance he would give himself. That often means offering multiple options, highlighting trade-offs, limiting unnecessary cash exposure, and helping clients avoid short-sighted decisions in favor of long-term strength.

BridgeCity operates as a full-service lending platform, and Louis leads it accordingly. The firm is known for its availability, responsiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond whenever clients need support. If a deal is not the right fit, Louis is equally willing to say so, even if it means directing a client toward a better opportunity elsewhere. The goal is never to waste time, but to deliver the right outcome.
Louis also holds senior roles at Meral Property Group, a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance (with honors), and a law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

Outside of work, Louis values time with his wife and daughter and brings the same discipline, integrity, and long-term mindset to family life that defines his professional leadership.

Allan Lebovits

President

Allan Lebovits brings a rare blend of legal discipline, development insight, and deal-making acumen to his role as President of BridgeCity Capital. Before launching BridgeCity, Allan led acquisitions and development initiatives at Meral Property Group, overseeing more than $400 million in transactions and 650,000+ sq. ft. of property development across the tri-state area.

A practicing attorney—and one of the youngest admitted to the New York State Bar at the time—Allan spent his early legal career representing private equity groups, joint ventures, and high-net-worth individuals. He clerked for the New York State Attorney General’s Office and holds a law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, with a focus on real estate transactions.

At BridgeCity, Allan is known for his ability to navigate complex structures, push deals across the finish line, and lead with clarity and conviction. His leadership sets the tone for the firm’s culture of excellence—one built on responsiveness, accountability, and a relentless focus on execution.

Beyond his professional work, Allan is actively involved in multiple charitable organizations, contributing his time and leadership to community-focused initiatives.

A native New Yorker, Allan balances the intensity of his work with tennis, golf, and time spent with his wife and children. His grounded nature, humor, and mentorship have helped shape the collaborative environment BridgeCity is known for.